fishballer06

It will handle the two baits you mention. But I would want something a hair longer, like at least a 7'6".

Sounds like multiple things are wrong. You likely put the handle assembly/drag stack together improperly to cause the drag issue. And if your clutch isn't working, you definitely did something wrong. I'd find the manual schematic and take it apart again. Or if you're not comfortable, send it to a professional like DVT.

You're fishing it exactly right. It's not a bait that's going to get you a dozen bites a day, but when you do get bit, hold on, because it'll be a good'un.

Day one is in the books. Here's how my guys did: Ashley - 14th Defoe - 5th Crews - 22nd Cherry - 32nd Hartman - 10th

Ok, here's my picks and their current estimates as of 2 PM on day 1. Ashley - 24 Defoe - 11 Crews - 39 Cherry - 27 Hartman - 10

After being spooled on a spinning year for a year, it's most likely got a good bit of memory. You can try giving it a good shot of KVD L&L and see how it goes, but don't be surprised if it's very coily.

I have a few local ponds within a 5-10 minute drive. However, when I'm lake/river fishing, I'm driving 20-160 miles depending on the lake.

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Green Pumpkin Bama Craw Texas rig and hold on tight.

Welcome! I'm from the yinzer side of PA.

The Scorpion 70 isn't a true JDM reel because it's made in Malaysia and it's not a true BFS reel either. Websites to use - Japan Lure Shop and Japan Tackle.

Curado K, and if you can afford, the Chronarch MGL. Both are best in class in my opinion.

I'm glad you took my advice. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

There's a little bit of a learning curve for the feel of a cranking rod, but once you get used to it, it is a nice thing to have. If you want to stay graphite but have a moderate action, the Dobyns Champion CB rods are the way to go. I'm a graphite cranking guy myself and these rods are my favorites.

It's been a tough winter up north here, but my local pond is finally free of ice! Well, 3/4 of it is ice free. And guess what?! They're biting! Very first cast: First of the year:

Then I wouldn't put much faith in what that shop ever tells me ever again... It sounds to me that they're just trying to sell you on old inventory so they can get rid it. You're talking about a reel that's already 4 years old, so replacement parts will be disappearing sooner. And in comparison, the Curado K is better in the following categories: More bearings (and better bearings at that) Micro modular brass gearing (much smoother retrieve) Better braking system More available gear ratio's Longer handles Smaller body/better palming in the hand Essentially, the only categories that the Citica wins out in would be : $30 cheaper 0.2oz lighter

I would go with the Citica I out of those three you mentioned. However, with your price range, why not get the Curado K? It's a significantly better reel than those 3, and it's only $10 more than the Smoke and $20 more than the SX.

I'll say this much. I have never and will never own any Savage Gear lures. However, I own probably 3 dozen+ Megabass lures, ranging from jerkbaits, crankbaits, poppers, and glide baits.

Both are solid reels. Honestly, if you can afford two reels, buy one of each. I'm sure you will be happy with both of them.

I like a 7'5" rod, but I do a lot of my tournament fishing as a co-angler so I prefer the shorter rod because I'm dealing with power poles, outboards, consoles, etc. in my way.

I have two (one casting, one spinning). My casting rod is the 7'2" MH Jig rod. It's a decent rod for the money and I'd put it on the heavier side of the MH spectrum. My spinning rod is the 7' M all around rod. It's exactly that, an all around spinning rod. I mainly use it for blade baits (silver buddy).

Dry rub or saucy?

I was surprised whenever my local F&S had a big display rack of them up. I looked at them and noticed lots of fancy designs on them similar to some high end JDM rods, but price points in the $100-200 range. Different strokes for different folks, but I'll be sticking with my tried and true brands for now.

The 705CB Champion is my do everything moving bait rod. I love that rod for all around purposes.